South Shields doctor recognised for research into chest complaints

Dr Liz Fuller has been recognised for her significant contribution to commercial research in the NHS.

Published:16:00Tuesday 03 May 2016

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A South Tyneside doctor has been recognised for her significant contribution to commercial research in the NHS.

Consultant Respiratory Physician Dr Liz Fuller has led various studies at South Tyneside District Hospital looking at the effectiveness of new drugs for asthma and the lung disorder Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

Among the most recent was a UK-wide trial to recruit people with COPD to see if an old drug can help a relatively new drug work better as a treatment.

As one of the country’s leading National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) commercial principal investigators (PIs), she was invited to a prestigious event, hosted at the British Medical Association in London, to celebrate their expertise.

She was nominated for the recognition by the NIHR Clinical Research Network: North East and North Cumbria for delivering a range of industry research studies and achieving the target set for patient recruitment, and for innovation in research.

Dr Fuller said: “Allowing the local population to have the opportunity to take part in research is what motivates us so it is great to be recognised for the respiratory research that we are doing in South Tyneside, often carrying out studies in which very few other hospitals are involved.

“It is very much a team effort and nothing would be achieved without clinical trials officer Judith Moore and research nurse Nadia Elkaram.”

PIs are responsible for NIHR supported research sites, ensuring that patients are appropriately recruited into studies.

NIHR is a research arm of the NHS and funded through the Department of Health.

Speaking at the recognition event, Professor Chris Whitty, Chief Scientific Adviser at the Department of Health, said: “Principal Investigators continue to play a crucial role in the NIHR Clinical Research Network’s substantial progress in the growth and delivery of commercial contract research in the NHS. As we mark 10 years of the NIHR, we are delighted to join you in celebrating your achievements which should inspire a new generation of research leaders.”